The all-party Intergroup on the Welfare and Conservation of Animals was created in 1983 in the European Parliament to discuss European and international animal welfare and conservation issues and, where appropriate, take initiatives which can lead to legislation. Attended by representatives from most political groups and nationalities, this influential Intergroup provides a forum for MEPs for debate and for initiating action for a wide range of animal welfare and conservation issues.

The Intergroup meets every month during the European Parliament Plenary sessions in Strasbourg.

Neil Parish was elected president on 17 January 2007 and will have this responsibility until the European elections of June 2009.